DENVER, Colo. – The UMKC women’s soccer team is predicted to finish second in the Western Athletic Conference, according to a preseason poll completed by the league’s coaches, the WAC office announced Wednesday. Additionally, juniors Lexie Howard (Kearney, Mo.) and Reighan Childers (Grain Valley, Mo.) have been named Preseason All-WAC selections for the second-consecutive year.

“It’s an honor to have the other head coaches in the WAC vote for us to finish in second place this season,” head coach Chris Cissell shared. “This is a great, competitive conference and we are humbled by the recognition.”

Howard is awarded a spot on the preseason all-conference team after playing in 11 matches for the Roos in 2016. She finished her sophomore campaign with three goals, three assists, 20 shots and a .500 shots-on-goal percentage.

Childers made an appearance in 19 matches for UMKC last season, starting all but one of those. The midfielder registered three goals and five assists, while taking 43 shots. Childers also netted the game-winning goal at South Dakota and league foe UT Rio Grande Valley.

“There are so many talented student-athletes in the WAC,” commented Cissell. “We are so proud of all of our players and we are excited that Lexie and Reighan have been recognized alongside the best of the best.”

UMKC will begin the 2017 season on Sunday, Aug. 13, when it hosts Kansas State at Durwood Soccer Stadium for its lone exhibition matchup. First kick, which was originally scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. CT, has been moved up to a 3 p.m. CT start time.